Inklingo

How to Say "protection" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “protection” is “protección” — use this general term for safety or defense in most everyday situations, like physical safety from harm..

protecciónA1

Use this general term for safety or defense in most everyday situations, like physical safety from harm.

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seguridad🔊A2

Use this when referring to the act or state of keeping someone or something safe, often implying measures taken for safety.

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defensa🔊A2

Use this when talking about safeguarding something, especially abstract concepts like ideals or principles, or in a military/sports context.

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abrigo🔊B1

Use this when referring to shelter or refuge from the elements or danger.

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custodia🔊B1

Use this for formal safekeeping or custody, often involving legal or security personnel overseeing something valuable or sensitive.

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espaldas🔊B1

Use this figuratively to mean 'backing' or support, implying that someone or something provides a form of security or defense through their influence or resources.

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escudo🔊A2

Use this literally as a shield for physical defense or metaphorically as a symbol or means of protection against something negative.

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English → Spanish

protección

nounA1General
Use this general term for safety or defense in most everyday situations, like physical safety from harm.

Examples

El casco ofrece protección contra caídas.

The helmet offers protection against falls.

seguridad

/se-goo-ree-DAHD//seɣuɾiˈðað/

nounA2General
Use this when referring to the act or state of keeping someone or something safe, often implying measures taken for safety.
A small, yellow baby chick sleeping peacefully inside a large, transparent protective bubble, symbolizing safety.

Examples

Por favor, pónganse el cinturón de seguridad.

Please, put on your seatbelt.

La seguridad de los niños es nuestra principal preocupación.

The safety of the children is our main concern.

Instalaron nuevas cámaras de seguridad en la calle.

They installed new security cameras on the street.

Always Feminine

Words that end in '-dad' in Spanish are almost always feminine. That's why we say 'la seguridad' (the safety) and 'una buena seguridad' (good safety).

defensa

deh-FEN-sah/deˈfensa/

nounA2General
Use this when talking about safeguarding something, especially abstract concepts like ideals or principles, or in a military/sports context.
A knight in shining armor holds a large, colorful shield forward, actively protecting a small, vulnerable person standing safely behind the shield.

Examples

La defensa de sus ideales fue muy emotiva.

The defense of her ideals was very moving.

El gobierno asegura la defensa del territorio nacional.

The government ensures the defense of national territory.

Necesitamos crear una defensa fuerte contra el virus.

We need to create a strong defense against the virus.

Always Feminine

Even if the person performing the defense is male, 'defensa' itself is always feminine: 'la defensa'.

abrigo

ah-BREE-goh/aˈβɾi.ɣo/

nounB1General
Use this when referring to shelter or refuge from the elements or danger.
A simple wooden lean-to structure built against a large tree trunk in a vibrant green forest, providing a dry place of refuge.

Examples

Buscaron abrigo de la tormenta bajo un árbol.

They sought shelter from the storm under a tree.

La organización ofrece abrigo a las personas sin hogar.

The organization offers shelter (or refuge) to homeless people.

Encontró abrigo en los brazos de su familia.

He found protection (or solace) in the arms of his family.

Formal Usage

This meaning is often used in formal writing or when talking about concepts like safety and charity, rather than everyday conversation.

custodia

/koos-TOH-dee-ah//kusˈto.ðja/

nounB1Formal
Use this for formal safekeeping or custody, often involving legal or security personnel overseeing something valuable or sensitive.
A closed, sturdy wooden treasure chest secured with a large, shiny brass lock, symbolizing safekeeping.

Examples

La policía puso el cargamento bajo custodia hasta que llegara el camión blindado.

The police placed the shipment under safekeeping until the armored truck arrived.

El presidente viaja siempre con un equipo de custodia personal.

The president always travels with a personal security detail (guard).

The Preposition 'Bajo'

When talking about an item being protected, you almost always use the preposition 'bajo' (under): 'bajo custodia' means 'under protection/guard' or 'in safekeeping'.

Confusing 'Custodia' and 'Cuidado'

Mistake: “Using 'cuidado' when referring to police guard or legal safekeeping.”

Correction: Use 'custodia' for official or security protection, and 'cuidado' for general care or attention.

espaldas

es-PAL-das/esˈpalðas/

nounB1Informal/Figurative
Use this figuratively to mean 'backing' or support, implying that someone or something provides a form of security or defense through their influence or resources.
A small, hesitant young sapling being held upright by a sturdy, large wooden stake tied securely to it.

Examples

Con las espaldas del banco, el proyecto será un éxito.

With the bank's backing, the project will be a success.

Con la espaldas del banco, el proyecto será un éxito.

With the bank's backing, the project will be a success.

Tiene muchas espaldas políticas, por eso nadie lo critica.

He has a lot of political backing (or influence), that's why no one criticizes him.

Figurative Use

In this sense, 'espaldas' represents figurative strength or support, like a powerful person standing behind you.

escudo

es-COO-doh/esˈkuðo/

nounA2General/Figurative
Use this literally as a shield for physical defense or metaphorically as a symbol or means of protection against something negative.
A round wooden shield with a central metal boss, used for protection.

Examples

El caballero levantó su escudo para detener la flecha.

The knight raised his shield to stop the arrow.

Mi familia es mi escudo contra los problemas del mundo.

My family is my shield against the world's problems.

Gender Rule

Since 'escudo' ends in -o, it is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' before it: 'el escudo', 'los escudos'.

General vs. Specific Protection

The most common mistake is using the general term 'protección' when a more specific word like 'defensa' (for ideals), 'abrigo' (for shelter), or 'custodia' (for formal safekeeping) is more appropriate. Always consider the specific situation before defaulting to 'protección'.

Related Translations

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